Canada · Quebec City
Fréchette Quits as CAQ Leader After Election Wipeout
In brief
Outgoing Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette resigned as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) on Tuesday, a day after the party lost every one of its seats in Monday's provincial election, which the Parti Québécois won with a minority.
Speaking at the National Assembly in Quebec City, Fréchette said voters had chosen to give the government to another team. "I accept that choice, and as leader, I take responsibility for it," she said in French, according to CBC News.
The CAQ, founded by former premier François Legault, governed Quebec for eight years and held 79 seats before the campaign began in August, Global News reported. Fréchette became leader and premier only this year, after Legault stepped down, and she did not win her own riding on Monday.
She said she will stay on as premier until Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is sworn in. CBC noted that the PQ won less than 30% of the popular vote and will need support from other parties to pass legislation. Political scientists quoted by The Canadian Press were divided on whether the CAQ can survive without any seats.
Why it matters
The CAQ's collapse reshapes Quebec politics and leaves a sovereigntist minority government in charge, which could make relations with Ottawa on immigration, trade and other files more complicated.
Sources
- CBC News: Christine Fréchette stepping down as CAQ leader after searing election defeat
- Global News / The Canadian Press: Christine Fréchette steps down as Coalition Avenir Québec leader
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